HEADLINE NEWS 

Glorious Weather, Fantastic Play & Helping Kids

MDDCCUA CUs for Kids Golf Tournament is a Success!

COLUMBIA, Md. – On a warm, sunny day 60 golfers turned out for the annual MDDCCUA CUs for Kids Golf Tournament to support Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, at Waverly Woods Golf Course, Marriottsville, Md.  The May 1 event was co-sponsored by SECU of Maryland, Inc.  Representatives from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and Children’s National Medical Center were on hand to talk about how the fundraiser will help kids being treated at the hospitals.

Twenty credit unions and eight business partners participated in the event. View online photo gallery here!

The 1^st place team was Ed Blickenstaff, Matt Gill, Bill Wallace and Mark Yu from SECU.  The 2^nd place team donated its prize to Children’s Miracle Network and was Mike Fitzgibbons, John Kenney, Hank Madera and Rod Staatz, also of SECU. 

The Closest to Pin winners were Mike Fitzgibbons (SECU), Doug Drury (Market USA FCU), Bob Brenneman (First Financial FCU), and Brandon Bottomley (Allied Solutions).  The Longest Drive winners were Matt Gill (SECU) and Polly Quinn (Prince Georges Community FCU).

A special thanks to the golfers and the contributors, including:  Allied Solutions, Anne Arundel EFCU, CUNA Mutual Group, CO-OP Financial Services, LLC, Department of Labor FCU, Enterprise Car Sales, MECU of Baltimore, inc., Mid-Atlantic Corporate FCU, Money One FCU, MVCP, PFP Services, Prince Georges Community FCU, Rowles & Col, SECU of Md., Inc., St. Agnes EFCU, Tower FCU, Treasury Department FCU, Visions, Ink.

Also, thank you to Chris Staatz (SECU) and JoAnnTalbot (National Capital FCU) for being the CUs for Kids mascots.

Bone Concludes 37 Years of Service as Chair of First Financial FCU

Continues to Serve on Board and as MDDCCUA Chairman

LUTHERVILLE, MD – The 55^th Annual Meeting of First Financial of Maryland Federal Credit Union marked the end of an era as J. Wesley Bone concluded his 37 years of service as Chairman of the Board of the credit union.  He continues to serve on the credit union’s board and as Chairman of the Maryland and DC Credit Union Association.

“Although it was a difficult decision, the time has come to take a step back and prepare for the next phase of life,” Bone said. Rolland Kiracofe, former Vice Chairman of the First Financial of Maryland FCU Board was elected Chairman.

During Bone’s tenure, First Financial FCU grew from $2 million in assets and 4,000 members to its current size of more than $650 million and over 55,000 members. In addition to his time served as Chairman, he was a Director for 39 years and a member of the credit union for 48 years. Notable accomplishments during his service to First Financial FCU include:

-A 30 plus year relationship with the National Association of Credit Union Chairpersons (formerly NACUP), in which he served as Treasurer (1990-93) and Chairman of the Board (1993-1996). Through his association with this national organization and the Maryland Credit Union League (now the Maryland and DC Credit Union Association), he developed a local chapter of the Chairman’s Association for the Baltimore/DC area.

-In 1988 First Financial FCU was named Credit Union of the Year by NAFCU.

-In 1997 received the NAFCU Volunteer of the Year award.

-In 2000 he was the first volunteer appointed to the Board of Directors of the Maryland and DC Credit Union Association. He was elected as Chairman of the Board in 2007 and continues in that position.

-In 2004 he received the National Association of Credit Union Chairmen’s, Eugene Ball Award. This award is given in recognition of commitment to country, credit union and the National Association of Credit Union Chairmen.

-The development of a nationally recognized charitable program entitled About Time. Currently named the KidsFirst Fund, this program has enabled First Financial FCU to provide financial support to programs benefiting children in their local community. Funding has been used to support the purchase of computers and computer equipment for classrooms, daycare and playground equipment for on-site childcare centers at three local Community Colleges, and health care services for underprivileged children in Baltimore and Carroll Counties.  Additionally, over 50 $5,000 college scholarships have been awarded to graduating high school seniors within the credit union’s field of membership.  Since the KidsFirst Funds’ inception, over $1 million has been donated to benefit children.

United Kingdom Government Official Visits DC Credit Unions

WASHINGTON – Sue Lewis, Head of Savings and Investments for HM Treasury in the United Kingdom, visited several DC credit unions to learn more about how they operate and U.S. government regulations on May 5.  She visited with Margie Click, President/CEO of Agriculture FCU, Pauline Dunbar-Berens, President/CEO and Theresa Trimble, Chairman, of FRB FCU and Bill Berens, President/CEO of Hospitality Community FCU.  HM Treasury has policy and legislative oversight for cooperatives, including credit unions, and is looking at modernizing the laws.  MDDCCUA staffers Kirk Fox and Sarah Turner accompanied Lewis.

Gore Participates in DC Financial Literacy Forum

WASHINGTON – MDDCCUA Chief Advocacy Officer Jennifer Porter Gore recently participated in a Financial Literacy Month Forum sponsored by the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.  After remarks by Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton, she provided an update on credit union financial literacy activity   Also on the panel was Lewis Smith, Mortgage Counselor and Reserve Mortgage Specialist for Manna Mortgage.  An open discussion followed on how to best reach District residents on financial literacy issues.

There’s Still Time to Join in On the Bowling Fun…

DC Chapter Bowling Tournament to Benefit Children’s Miracle Network – May 21 & 22

WASHINGTON – Join the fun and support kids too!  The MDDCCUA DC Chapter is sponsoring a bowling tournament to benefit Children’s Miracle Network May 21 – 22 at the AMF Alexandria Bowling Center, 6228A N. Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA 22303.  The cost is $250 per team (five bowlers per team).  Registration includes bowling shoes and three games.  The time is 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. both nights.  RSVP by May 19.

To register, click here.

Learn How to Turn Indirect Borrowers into Active Members at the June Annual Meeting & Convention

COLUMBIA, Md. - With a substantial percentage of all existing loans coming from indirect borrowers, the need to turn these single-services users into active members has never been greater. CUNA Mutual’s Bill Jolicoeur, vice president and product leader, will share ideas and best practices on how your credit union can engage these members to get multiple relationships.

Many other educational breakout sessions will be offered during the convention. Click here for details. To get your first choice of hotels in Ocean City, please make your reservations now. If you haven’t already registered for the convention, click here.

Exhibitor Booths Still Available for the Annual Meeting

COLUMBIA, Md. - Reserve your exhibit space today to reach more than 700 attendees at MDDCCUA’s Third Annual Meeting and Convention scheduled for June 11–14, 2008, in Ocean City, Md. 

Exhibition prices for the 2008 convention are:

·         $1,895 per booth – include two reps.

·         Event sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available. 

      For more information, contact Dawn Johnson at 443-325-0768.  

Train Your Staff by Registering Today for Upcoming Training Events

COLUMBIA, Md. - Take advantage of these educational opportunities being held in the Columbia office. Just click on the title for details:

Vendor Due Diligence:  Outsourcing is an increasingly common way for credit unions to offer more products and services.  But how do you choose the right vendor to ensure that the work is done to your standards?  On May 14 learn how to keep track of all the necessary details while making sure there is adequate transparency and ongoing communication. 

Bank Secrecy Act:  This session on May 22 will provide the information you need to ensure that your BSA training requirements have been met. This is an opportunity to provide required training for staff, make your members and the movement safer and support the government in the war on terrorism.   

Supervisory Committee Duties & Responsibilities: This session on May 28 covers the supervisory committee’s structure and roles and responsibilities, including auditing and specific committee duties and powers.

Get Young Adults Involved in Your Credit Union!

MADISON, Wis. - The Filene Research Institute (FRI) is administrating a national project called CU Tomorrow to encourage credit unions to offer products and programs designed to attract young members, young professionals and young volunteers to credit unions.  

Filene will research and publish CU Tomorrow Business Briefs, each of which details a product or program targeted toward young people, and gives step-by-step instructions on how a credit union can implement the program. Filene will release approximately one Business Brief per month through spring 2009.
 

To participate, credit unions would commit to the following:

• Launch three Business Brief products to their own markets.
• Adopt recruiting and retention practices that will help make credit unions employers of choice for promising young professionals.
• Adopt practices that will encourage the participation of young volunteers on and with credit union boards of directors.
• Track relevant product metrics which will be clearly stated within each CU Business Brief. Credit unions would send relevant metrics to MDDCCUA which will be the intermediary to FRI.
• Meet every-other-month for CU Tomorrow information sessions.
• Assign a senior manager to attend the CU Tomorrow information sessions to learn the new Business Briefs and share results and prospects with other participating credit unions
• CU Tomorrow operates a daily blog designed to be a clearinghouse for ideas about how credit unions can attract and better serve younger members and employees. Participating credit unions are encouraged to track the blog and comment accordingly. 

If your credit union is interested in participating, please complete the two question online application and return it to Martha Ninichuk, VP Credit Union Consulting, mninichuk@mddccua.org.  For more information, please call Martha at 443.325.0782 or 800.492.4206 ext. 123.

New Growth, Governance and Services Group Being Formed for Small Credit Unions – Sign Up Today

COLUMBIA, Md. - MDDCCUA is forming the second group of credit unions for the Growth, Governance and Services II project (GGAS II). There is no cost for your credit union to participate. Funding is provided through grants from the Credit Union Foundation of Maryland and the District of Columbia (CUFMDDC). The GGAS II project will provide individualized, high-touch technical assistance to credit unions of less than $20 million in asset size to enable them to maintain competitiveness within the Maryland and DC financial services industry. 

Benefits of participating in GGAS II:

• CUNA Member Satisfaction Survey (Cost Savings of $2,300)
• MDDCCUA Individualized Assistance
• Strategic Planning
• Credit Union Individualized Training
• Group Managers’ Training
• Board of Directors’ Training
• Business Partner Relationship Development
• Products and Services Development Assistance
• Working with a Group of 10 Credit Unions

For more information, please contact Martha Ninichuk, VP Credit Union Consulting, at 443.325.0782 or mninichuk@mddccua.org.

CU HAPPENINGS

White House FCU Opens New Ballston Office

ARLINGTON, Va. - After a week of celebrations that included a grand prize drawing and a treasure chest contest for cash prizes, White House Federal Credit Union formally opened its new Ballston Office during a grand opening ceremony on April 19. This second office, located at 4121 Wilson Boulevard just across from Ballston Common Mall, offers members improved convenience as well as a 24-hour ATM.

“We are very excited about the opportunities the new office provides,” commented Tina P. Blackwell, CEO. “We look forward to providing this additional convenience to our members.” 

White House FCU, headquartered in DC, serves over 6,500 members and has over $53.6 million in assets.

From left to right: Board members Elizabeth Kaminski, Mary C. Fibich, Joseph Kouba and CEO Tina P. Blackwell cut the ribbon at the opening of The White House Federal Credit Union’s new Ballston Office.

 Atlantic Financial FCU Holds 7^th Annual Kids Night

BALTIMORE, Md. - On April 24, 2008, Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union held its “Grow Your Green Down on the Farm” 7^th Annual Kids Night at a Hunt Valley location.  This free farm-themed event enabled AFFCU’s young members to become familiar with their credit union.

Members enjoyed food, games, caricature artist, crafts, pony rides, a petting farm and a fire truck was on site to teach about fire safety.  Parents had the opportunity to open accounts for their children, and children received special prizes for deposits made that night. 

Andrews Federal Credit Union Supports the March for Babies

SUITLAND, Md. – Andrews Federal Credit Union provided 20 walkers and volunteers that cheered the crowd of walkers and handed out giveaways and water at the March for Babies event on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC on April 27.

For the last five years, Andrews Federal has raised over $5,000 in member and staff contributions for the March of Dimes. This year, through pledges, branch fundraising and sponsorships the amount donated tripled to nearly $15,000.

“Helping children is especially important to our organization because they are our future. Andrews Federal is excited to be a part of this event and looks forward to helping the March of Dimes reach their mission,” said Jennifer Taura, an employee volunteer. “Together we can help fight this issue.”

 Andrews FCU employee volunteers at the March for Babies.  L-R:  Karen Mangum, Maria Taura, Jennifer Taura and Kendall Mangum.

APGFCU Annual Meeting Celebrates Growth

ABERDEEN, Md. - Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union welcomed more than 200 member-owners at its Annual Member Meeting on May 7 to celebrate 70 years of delivering financial services to the community.  

Since its founding in 1938, the credit union has grown to $620 million in assets with eight full-service branches in Harford and Cecil counties and a ninth scheduled to open in Forest Hill this Fall.

 Students from Deerfield Elementary School led the meeting with a rousing performance of the National Anthem and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Guest speaker, Kevin F. Bress, attorney and elder law expert at Hodes, Pessin & Katz, gave an entertaining and informative presentation on the many challenges of the retirement years, according to the credit union. 

The theme of the meeting, “Growing,” reflected APGFCU’s significant growth over the past 70 years in the areas of financial products and services, member value, and community outreach.  Member-owners were treated to live bamboo plants to take home symbolizing environmental awareness and continued growth.

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity Blitz Week June 23 – 27

Sign Up to Help on Credit Union Day, June 25

BALTIMORE – Since early spring, MECU of Baltimore and Securityplus Federal Credit Union volunteers have been busy working, and having fun, on a Sandtown Habitat for Humanity project on Saturdays in Baltimore.  Blitz Week, when hundreds of volunteers come out to help, is June 23 – 27.  Wednesday, June 25 has been set aside as Credit Union Day during Blitz Week.

The workday will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a light breakfast and a box lunch provided.  Skilled and unskilled are heartily welcomed.  If you can assist in preparing a house to be a home for a deserving family, please contact Frank Ciesla at MECU, fciesla@mecu.com. 

REGULATORY AFFAIRS

NCUA Announces Release of FINCEN Suspicious Activity Reporting Results

Covering Mortgage Fraud Activity

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - NCUA’s most recent Letter to Credit Unions (08-CU-10) provides a summary of information released by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) concerning mortgage fraud. FINCEN has provided this assessment based upon analysis of suspicious activity reports (SARs) provided by the financial industry. This updated study includes the analysis for SARs filed from March 2006 through March 2007.

This report addresses several areas of interest to credit unions related to mortgage loan fraud, including vulnerabilities, fraudulent activities and red flags, and protective measures.

To review the complete details of this letter, please click this link

Free NCUA Workshop Scheduled for July 22 in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Credit Union Administration is holding several free credit union workshops nationwide, primarily geared toward credit unions with assets under $50 million, including one on July 22 in Alexandria, Va.  Topics include the following:

·         Changes to the 5300 Call Report

·         Common BSA violations

·         Third-party relationships - due diligence

·         Modifications to CAMEL rating

·         Attracting & recruiting volunteers

·         Expanding CU services through partnerships

Here's the link to all of NCUA’s upcoming workshops/roundtable events, including the one in Alexandria in July:

http://www.ncua.gov/CreditUnionDevelopment/Events/Index.htm

NCUA Board Meeting Schedule for 2008

Click here to get a copy of the NCUA Board meeting schedule for 2008. 

Resource Information for Area Roundtables

Our area has several active Roundtable Groups that provide essential services and promote professional growth and development.  Please direct your email or phone calls to the contacts shown in the respective Roundtable listings located on the MDDCCUA Roundtable web page.   

CHAPTER CORNER

Plan to Attend Your MDDCCUA Chapter Annual Meetings - Coming Up…

·         May 13 – Baltimore Chapter Annual Meeting

·         May 14 – Western Chapter Annual Meeting

·         May 29 – DC Chapter Annual Meeting

·         June 4 – Suburban Chapter Annual Meeting & Crab Feast

For more information, go to the Chapter page on the Association’s website.  Click here. 

A WORD FROM OUR PARTNERS

Mid-Atlantic Corporate FCU’s Fox Retirement Party, Golf Tournament and Annual Meeting Coming Up

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Join Mid-Atlantic Corporate FCU for its annual meeting and special retirement party for Ed Fox, June 18 – 19 in Gettysburg, Pa.  The Charity Golf Tournament is on June 18 at The Links at Gettysburg.  The Annual Meeting, Product Fair, and reception for Fox will be on June 19 at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel.  For more information, visit www.midatlanticcorp.org and click on the 2008 Annual Meeting banner.

Submit Press Releases and Photos to FOCUS

If your credit union has an upcoming event, news, or a milestone such as an anniversary, please e-mail releases and photos (in .jpg format) to sturner@mddccua.org.  The deadline for submission of articles is close of business on Wednesdays.

 Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association 

8975 Guilford Road, Suite 190
Columbia, MD  21046

1701 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 450

Washington, DC  20006-5805
 

(800) 492-4206 (Toll free)

(410) 290-6858 (Local)
fax: (410) 290-7832 MD

Fax: (202) 331-7851 DC 

The mission of the Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association is to promote, develop and support the credit union movement through advocacy and education. 

FOCUS Newsletter Submissions: Press releases, stories or other submissions for FOCUS should be sent to sturner@mddccua.org by close of business each Wednesday and will be published in the following edition, space permitting.  

The format should be in Word and the font should be Arial 10. We will make every effort to make your information available, either directly in the FOCUS or on the MDDCCUA website with a link in the newsletter. If you would like to subscribe to FOCUS, please email Sarah Turner.

For previous editions of FOCUS, please search our archives.

If you do not want to receive future MDDCCUA Newsletters, please send an email to Sarah Turner requesting removal from this email list.

Policy/Disclaimer: ©2005 Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association. All Rights Reserved.